Committees
Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee (RAC)
The Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) comprises 9-15 volunteers who provide advice and recommendations on allocation of funds, fee proposals, and project work to benefit the Siuslaw National Forest. Committee members represent a wide variety of backgrounds and interests including Native American tribes, government agencies, industry representatives, environmental advocates, recreation groups, and local residents.
Working collaboratively with the Siuslaw National Forest, the RAC makes funding recommendations for projects proposed under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools Act (SRS Act). Projects may receive Title II funding if they make investments in, and create employment opportunities through:
- Improved maintenance of existing infrastructure.
- Implementation of stewardship objectives to enhance forest ecosystems.
- Restoration and improvement of land health and water quality.
The Siuslaw RAC is now recruiting for members for the 2026 cohort. Members serve four year terms and can expect to participate in one meeting every other year. Participation is voluntary and applicants are subject to a federal background check. For more information, email SM.FS.siuslaw_RAC@usda.gov.
Secure Rural Schools Act
In 2000, Congress passed the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Public Law 106-393), also known as Payments to Counties, to provide support for counties that have historically depended on income from federal timber programs.
The Siuslaw RAC reviews and makes recommendations on project proposals requesting funding under Title II of the act. Proposed projects need not be implemented on Forest Service lands, but must show benefit to national forest resources. The RAC may also review and make recommendations on recreation fee proposals.
Projects that Qualify for Title II Funding
Projects considered for Title II funding make additional investments in, and create employment opportunities through:
- Improving existing infrastructure maintenance
- Implementing stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystem
- Restoring and improving land health and water quality
- Projects must comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations
- Projects must be consistent with applicable resource management plans and any watershed or subsequent plans developed pursuant to the resource management plan
The funds may be used for projects with broad-based support and objectives that include:
- Road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration
- Soil productivity improvement
- forest ecosystem health improvements
- Watershed restoration and maintenance
- Wildlife and fish habitat restoration, maintenance, and improvement
- Noxious and exotic weeds control
- Native species re-establishment
At least 50% of all project funds are to be used for road maintenance, decommissioning, or obliteration; or to restore streams and watersheds. If a project will not occur on Forest Service land, it must have clear direct or indirect benefits to Forest Service resources. Furthermore, these benefits must be clearly stated and emphasized in the project proposal.
How to Apply for Title II Funds
Proposals for new Title II funds are accepted from:
- Tribes
- Federal agencies
- State and local governments
- Private entities
- Nonprofit entities
- Landowners
When Title II funding is allocated and the Siuslaw RAC is prepared to convene, a formal solicitation is released to the public for new funding proposals. The solicitation details specific information on application materials, process for submission, and due dates.
Project proposals are not being accepted at this time. Email sm.fs.siuslaw_RAC@usda.gov for more information.
Past RAC Meetings & Projects
June 5, 2024 Meeting
The Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) met on June 5, 2024, to review and approve land management projects for the use of Secure Rural Schools Title II funding. During their meeting, the RAC approved the investment of $1,070,392 for 21 projects related to youth employement, eradication of noxious weeds, road improvement, and fish habitat restoration.
December 6, 2021 Meeting
The Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) met on December 6, 2021, to review and approve 43 Secure Rural Schools Title II projects for funding. The committee approved projects both on and off the national forest, investing $1,618,687 (or $1,731,994 with a 7% overhead) in projects to improve visitor experiences, restore ecosystems, improve roads, and enhance public safety.
January 23, 2017 Meeting
In 2016, the Siuslaw National Forest proposed to raise campground fees or establish new fees at some developed recreation sites beginning in 2017. Public input on the proposed changes was solicited in late 2016. The comments were received, evaluated by the Forest Service and presented, along with the proposal, to the citizen resource advisory committee (RAC) on January 23, 2017. The advisory committee made recommendations and the proposal was approved by the Regional Forester in February 2017.
The Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is a diverse group of stakeholders that have been selected to review and approve Secure Rural Schools Title II projects. At their meeting on June 3, 2016, the RAC reviewed project proposals and approved 20 projects for Title II funding.
The Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) met on September 25, 2015, to review and approve Title II projects for funding. The committee approved 29 projects both on and off the national forest, investing $621,561 in projects to improve visitor experiences, restore ecosystems, improve roads, and enhance public safety.